If there’s one thing I’ve always loved about the Metal Slug series, it’s the sheer energy: explosions, outrageous enemy designs, and the sharp charm of the hand-drawn visuals. I was intrigued to see how these elements would translate into a tactical RPG, especially with the shift to a turn-based, roguelite format in this new release of “Metal Slug Tactics.” Thankfully, Leikir Studio and Dotemu have delivered an experience that feels faithful to the chaotic essence of Metal Slug while introducing a more strategic, measured style of gameplay. The enemy in this game is the infamous Donald Morden, who has been biding his time and amassing a rogue army. It’s up to the Peregrine Falcons Squad to infiltrate his defenses and stop his plans before things spiral into full-scale war. The storyline is straightforward but fitting for a solid backdrop to the tactical combat. The game thrives on atmosphere, capturing the spirit of the series in ways that are both playful and intense.
The game begins with a satisfying dose of nostalgia. Iconic characters, familiar weaponry, and that classic run-and-gun attitude are all woven into this new tactical format. For the first time in the Metal Slug universe, I found myself pausing before each encounter, planning my moves instead of charging in guns blazing. Assembling my team and strategically deploying my squad felt like a fresh way to experience the series while keeping the high-energy essence that makes Metal Slug iconic. Tactically, “Metal Slug Tactics” has a lot to offer. You can choose from an array of characters drawn from across the franchise, each with distinct abilities that bring personality to the battlefield. Planning out team formations and weapon loadouts is a big part of the appeal, and it’s a treat to see how different combinations can create devastatingly effective combos. With the “SYNC” mechanic, you can even synchronize attacks across your team, dealing tremendous damage in unison. As chaining moves for maximum impact feels rewarding and pretty necessary if you want to break through tougher enemy waves.
Throughout the campaign, you’ll also find opportunities to level up operatives and upgrade your squad’s equipment. Accumulating experience unlocks new weapons and perks, making each return to the battlefield feel like a step toward mastery. Although the game doesn’t reinvent the tactical genre, it certainly adds a unique spin by keeping the chaotic, action-packed feel intact. Each skirmish unfolds on beautifully crafted maps, designed with a keen eye for both form and function. These maps don’t just look good; they challenge you to think carefully about positioning, cover, and movement, making every decision impactful. I’ll be real with you, this game can be rather difficult at times, so be prepared. The game is not without its quirks. The roguelike elements, though functional, feel a little less compelling than in some other games within the genre. The procedural layout of enemy encounters keeps things fresh, but I found myself wishing for more unique enemy bosses to spice up the replayability. Adding just a few more of these distinctive encounters would have brought even more variety and excitement to the progression. Still, each run has its thrills, and the chance to adapt my tactics or improve my squad’s loadouts made revisiting missions fun.
One thing I must give props to Dotemu for is their understanding of nostalgia—not as a mere marketing ploy, but as a foundation for designing compelling gameplay. Their approach is clear in every frame of Metal Slug Tactics. They didn’t just slap the Metal Slug name onto a tactical game; they reimagined it in a way that feels authentic, as if this was always a part of the Metal Slug world waiting to be explored. The game’s visuals are also stunning. The hand-crafted aesthetic remains faithful to the original Metal Slug art style, with vibrant colors, lively character animations, and explosive effects all over the place. On the downside, I did experience a few minor bugs, especially in intense skirmishes where the screen could get cluttered with effects. These bugs weren’t game-breaking, but they did disrupt the flow at times. Hopefully, patches will iron these out because, when it’s running smoothly, “Metal Slug Tactics” is an absolute joy.
At its core, “Metal Slug Tactics” is a smart, stylish adaptation that blends tactical strategy with the series’ traditional run-and-gun action. While I still prefer the original run and gun gameplay over this tactical attempt, and despite its few quirks, this game stays true to the spirit of Metal Slug, offering a fresh experience to both long-time fans and newcomers. If you’re a fan of the franchise or even just a tactical game enthusiast, “Metal Slug Tactics” is well worth playing.
8/10
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Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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